Ultra-Trail Cape Epic is a 65km ultra marathon in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Distance: 65km. Elevation: 2,800m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 46/100). DNF rate: 12%. Time limit: 14h. Surface: trail. Established 2017.
Ultra-Trail Cape Epic
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
"65km through Cape wine country. Mountain trails above vineyards, fynbos-covered peaks, and South African sunshine."
A mountain ultra through the Western Cape's wine country — fynbos mountains, vineyard trails, and Stellenbosch sunshine.
The Course
A loop through the wine-country mountains of the Western Cape. The course climbs through fynbos-covered peaks, along vineyard trails, and through pine forests with views over Stellenbosch and False Bay. Hot, exposed climbing on rocky trails.
mountainous
loop
5
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
24°C
16° – 32°
45%
10%
Cape summer — hot and dry. No shade on exposed mountain sections. Wind can be strong.
Stats & Records
2017
300
10:00:00
Entry
ZAR 1,200
September
months
Lore & Trivia
The Cape Epic Trail runs through the Western Cape of South Africa — the wine-growing region surrounding Cape Town where fynbos-covered mountains meet world-class vineyards. The course traverses the Hottentots Holland Mountains and Stellenbosch winelands, combining Mediterranean-climate trail running with the dramatic geology of the Cape Fold Belt. South Africa's trail running scene is one of the most vibrant in the world, and the Western Cape — with its combination of mountains, ocean views, and wine country — is its heartland.
- ▸ The course runs through the famous Stellenbosch wine region — one of the world's great wine-producing areas.
- ▸ Fynbos vegetation is unique to the Western Cape and is one of the world's six floral kingdoms.
- ▸ Post-race wine tasting at the finish is a popular tradition.
- ▸ The mountains behind Stellenbosch are steeper and more rugged than most visitors expect.
- ▸ Established in 2017.
Running through the Cape winelands at dawn, with Table Mountain on the horizon — that's South African trail running at its finest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra-Trail Cape Epic? +
Ultra-Trail Cape Epic is a 65km (65km) ultra marathon with 2,800m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Ultra-Trail Cape Epic? +
Ultra-Trail Cape Epic is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 46/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 12%. Runners have 14 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Ultra-Trail Cape Epic? +
Average temperature is 24°C (range 16°C to 32°C) with 45% humidity and a 10% chance of rain. Cape summer — hot and dry. No shade on exposed mountain sections. Wind can be strong.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra-Trail Cape Epic? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the average finish time for Ultra-Trail Cape Epic? +
The average finish time is 10:00:00. About 300 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 12%.
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